Coast Guard responds to tar balls at Coronado Beach

SAN DIEGO – The Coast Guard is currently responding to a report of tar balls of various sizes washing up on the shores of Coronado Beach.

At 3:10 p.m. the Coast Guard was notified by the Coronado Lifeguards of the tar balls in the surf zone and washing up on the beach. The lifeguards then requested all of the people in the water to get out of the water because of the tar balls.

A Coast Guard Pollution Investigator is on scene taking samples. The balls range in size from a quarter to about six inches. The Coronado Fire Department, Lifeguards and the Coast Guard are all working with the National Response Corporation (NRC) to clean up the tar balls.

“The Coast Guard is responding rapidly and has opened the oil spill response fund in recognition of the environmental sensitivity of the area,” the commanding officer of Sector San Diego, Capt. Thomas Farris said. “Clean up personnel are expected to be at the location within the hour. The Coast Guard is coordinating with the county to obtain air samples to determine any health concerns associated.”

The Coast Guard and Coronado Lifeguards are requesting that the public to avoid the area throughout today and tomorrow. Though the health threat seems to be minor, they are still recommending all beach goers to avoid any contact with the tar balls.

There is no known source of the tar balls at this time and the origin is currently under investigation.